Robson appointed at West Brom

Former England captain Bryan Robson has been named manager of West Bromwich Albion, the Premier League club have confirmed.

Robson made 198 league appearances for West Brom from 1975 to 1981 before joining Manchester United. He managed Middlesbrough for seven years before stepping down in 2001. Last season he returned to management at second division Bradford City.

Robson replaces Gary Megson who was fired last month after informing them he would not renew his contract at the end of the season.

“It’s great, I’m really looking forward to the challenge,” Robson told a news conference at The Hawthorns on Tuesday.

“I think the club are really forward thinking.

“It’s in the blood, you really miss football when you are out of it. What I’d like to try and achieve is the success I had as a player here.

“The main aim for this football club at this moment is to try and get established in the Premiership.”

West Brom won promotion back to the Premier League last season at the first attempt. They have struggled since, winning just once in 12 games to lie 17th in the 20-strong table.

Robson has been given a 12 month rolling contract. Ironically, his first game in charge will be Sunday’s home game against his former club Middlesbrough.

West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace pronounced himself satisfied with the appointment of Robson.

“Bryan has a formidable football pedigree and is highly respected by key figures in the game,” Peace said. “He has a strong affinity with the club and our supporters.

“Clearly the first target is to retain our Premiership status and I feel with Bryan in charge, there will be total commitment and determination from everyone at the club to achieve this goal.”.